The Sahara DesertThe Sahara Desert alone is expanding southwards at an average of 0.8 km (½ mile) a month.

GiraffesDid you know that the tongue of a giraffe can be as long as 45 cm?

Thirsty like an elephantDid you know elephants drink up to 160 liters of water per day.

As tall as a giraffeDid you know that giraffes are 6 ft tall when they are born?

DiamondsThe world's largest diamond was the Cullinan, found in South Africa in 1905. It weighed 3,106.75 carats uncut. It was cut into the Great Star of Africa, weighing 530.2 carats, the Lesser Star of Africa, which weighs 317.40 carats, and 104 other diamonds of nearly flawless colour and clarity. They now form part of the British crown jewels.

SealsThe largest seal colony in the southern hemisphere is a Cape Cross in Namibia.

Namib DesertThe Namib is the world's oldest desert, and the only desert in Africa inhabited by elephant, rhino, giraffe and lion.

ElephantsAn elephant can weigh up to 6-7 tons and has no natural enemies for he is not a predator and there is none large enough to challenge him.

Deepest LakeLake Tanganyika is the deepest lake in Africa reaching at its greatest depth is 1,436 m (4,710 ft), making it the second deepest freshwater lake in the world after Lake Baikal.

BeetlesThe world's largest and heaviest beetle, the Goliath Beetle is found in tropical Africa. It can reach a length of 5 inches and weigh up to ¼ lb